1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible 2-Door

This 1929 Duesenberg Model J is a 2-Door Convertible with a rumble seat. The coachwork was performed by Derham. Located in the rear of the car is a fold-up luggage carrier.

This car has recently been shown at the 2007 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance and later at the 2007 Eastern Concours of the United States. It is a very attractive car that is sporty, elegant, and refined. The potent eight-cylinder engine is capable of carrying this car at speeds greater than most other machines on the road, during the early 1930s. It was a symbol of wealth and accomplishment, something that is still true in modern times. Its beauty is timeless and the allure is undeniable.

The J model, introduced in December 1928, is powered by a 420 CID straight-eight engine built by Lycoming. The horsepower rating is advertised as 265 horsepower. Features of the engine include two overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. The brakes were oversized and hydraulic with vacuum assistance.

Aluminum alloy was extensively used in the engine, dash, steering column, differential and flywheel housing, crankcase, timing chain cover, water pump, intake manifold, brake shoes, and even gas tank. The use of aluminum kept this massive car just below 5,200 pounds.

The J model was capable of a staggering 89 mph in second gear and 112-116 mph in high gear.

Currently, this Duesenberg is in chassis form, which is undergoing a major restoration. It was originally delivered to William A. Reade of New York City with a maroon Murphy body. The original body style was a short (142-inch) wheelbase convertible sedan.

The Model J was the final series introduced by the Duesenberg brothers. Only 481 units were produced, including the supercharged models. Due to the Great Depression, the model run did not sell out until 1937. The model year designates the year when the particular model was sold. The 420-cubic inch straight eight engine was rated at 265 horsepower and was capable of 90 miles per hour in second gear.

J150 was rebodied in 1977 using a Derham body from a 1931 Lincoln. Derham built bodies for notables such as Pope Pius XII, King Farouk, President Eisenhower and Gary Cooper. They were also the only classic-era coachbuilder to survive the Great Depression.

The chassis recalls Duesenberg exhibits of the 1930s. Only the chassis was shown since the purchaser arranged to have a custom body produced. The cost of the chassis was $8,500 at a time when a physician earned about $3,000 per year.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2018